"I think the video taping isn't just a problem with theatre, it's a social issue, a sign of the times. People love to record things, everything. So much for relying on mental memory. Many don't even give the thought of recording something a second thought, since it's so easy to do....and what's the worst that could happen?- an usher scolds them. That's not a punishment. "
jNehlich, that's very true, and sad. Why people would rather watch the show that's happening in front of them through a camera screen than LIVE in all it's glory (as intended), I'll never understand. That's how a lot people are today, and sadly, they just don't understand how disrespectful it is.
For me, the issue is less about "ownership" and more about respect. Flash photography, recordings and the like is disruptive to the actors, to the audio engineer in the house, to the light board operator and to the actors. It's also disrespectful to the other audience members. Personally, I would be angry with a fellow audience member distracting me from the show I'm watching by taking pictures...so much so that I would probably say something to them (but obviously, being a person who works in theater, of course it annoys me, does it really annoy the average theater goer?)
As for how to combat it...vigilance is my method. When I worked at an off-broadway, I would call the HM right away to notify him of flash photography. Now that I'm on tour, I'm lucky to have a board op and audio guy who care about the issue and will let me know of any picture takers. As the ASM, I have quite a few FOH cues, so I am able to go reprimand phototakers myself most of the time, but if I am not able to come and deal with the issue, the board op and audio will try and get a nearby usher on the issue. And sometimes we get lucky with a good FOH staff. I like to think that when the rest of the audience sees a photo taker get 'talked to', it gives them pause before they do it themselves, and to an extent it does.
But still, when our show gets to the finale (which is crazy with strobes and 10 6-foot inflatable balls in the audience among other things), people take crazy photos.